Saving Forever - Part 4 (8 page)

“You’ll see.”

Charity’s father was sitting beside Albert. He looked at Albert and chuckled. “Kids.”

“Tell me about it. I’ve got three and a brood of grandkids now. None of them listen.”

“I’ve got that beauty over there and she’s never listened. Mind of her own, that girl.”

“You’ve done well,” Albert complimented.

Dr. Thompson shook his head. “It was all her mother.”

“Elijah mentioned she passed away.” Albert shook his head. “Sorry about that ‘mate. Glad Charity has you here.”

Dr. Thompson nodded but Charity noticed he didn’t say anything. The look on his face the moment before he changed the subject broke her heart. She wondered if it was because he missed his wife or if he wasn’t sure she wanted him there.

He pulled a vial out of his pocket and took two pills out of it.

Past images of vials and pills from her mother flashed before her eyes. “What are those for?” Her voice rose, making everyone at the table stop talking and look at her and Dr. Thompson.

Her father looked down at the pills in his hand and then at her. “Aspirin. They are aspirin.”

Elijah patted her hand. “They’re for headaches.”

She pulled her hand away. “I know what they’re for.” Heat rose to her face. “Sorry. Must be the lack of sleep… or something,” she mumbled.

Thankfully Albert began talking about Rapt Bach and what Elijah was like growing up.

Before long the intercom turned on and the captain requested all passengers who had driven on to return to their vehicles. They would be docking in fifteen minutes.

Butterflies fluttered in Charity’s stomach. Time to meet the soon-to-be mother-in-law.

Chapter 10

Margaret stood stiffly waiting on the large interlock patio leading up to the house. Charity wiped her sweaty palms against her skirt as Albert parked the large van. She realized Elijah’s mother was probably as nervous as she felt. It helped her relax just a smidgen.

Elijah was the first one out. He ran over to his mother and gave her a hug. The surprised look on her face made Charity smile. She followed behind Elijah at a much slower pace. Simon, Julie and her father talked quietly behind her, admiring the massive house.

“Hi Margaret,” Charity said.

Elijah put his arm around her and kissed her forehead.

Margaret straightened her dress and reached out, brushing her hand against Charity’s. “Hello, dear. How was the flight?”

“Long.” Julie dropped her bag and blew her bangs away from her face. “But it was worth the trip. You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Bennet.”

Charity made a mental note to thank Julie later. While Julie gushed about the house, she introduced Margaret to Simon.

When Charity’s dad came around with Albert who was dragging several suitcases, she waved him over. “Dad! I’d like to introduce you to Elijah’s mother. Margaret, this is my father Doctor Scott Thompson.” It seemed silly to say doctor but that was how she had always introduced her father to people. It would feel wrong to do it any other way.

Her father, slightly out of breath, smiled and shook Margaret’s hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Margaret. Thank you for putting us up in your home and letting these kids have their ceremony here.”

She waved her hand and smiled. “It’s the least I could do. I’m so happy you came along with them. Heaven forbid I was going to be the only adult here.”

Elijah cleared his throat. “Mom. Simon, Julie and I are all doctors. I believe that makes us adults.”

“Except for Charity.” Simon laughed. “She’s probably the most mature of all of us.”

There was an awkward silence before Margaret spoke. Charity wondered what was running through everyone’s mind.

“Why don’t I show you all to your rooms? You all probably just want to relax for a bit. There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry and please make yourselves at home. I can show you around the house a bit if you want as well.”

“I would love that,” Charity’s father said, surprising Charity.

They followed Margaret and Elijah through the beautiful front door to the grand room with the double spiral staircases.

“All your rooms are on the main floor except for Charity’s and Elijah’s.” She gave the tiniest of smiles. “I assumed everyone would prefer their space from them.”

Simon high-fived Elijah. “Your mom’s super cool.”

Julie elbowed him. “We’re not eighteen, idiot.” She turned to Margaret. “Sorry about him. I’d have left him at home, but Elijah asked him to come.”

Margaret laughed.

A twinge of jealousy tugged at Charity. She wanted that easy rapport with Elijah’s mother. She had the talent of doing it with total strangers but couldn’t seem to figure it out with Margaret.

They walked to Dr. Thompson’s room first and then moved on to Julie and Simon’s room further down the hall.

As they headed back toward the grand room, Margaret stepped in between Elijah and Charity and linked her arms through both of them. “I’m glad you are having the wedding here. It means a lot.”

“We wouldn’t have it any other place.” Charity meant the words as she said them.

“Thank you.”

Elijah put his arm around his mom and ruffled Charity’s hair with his fingers. “What have you all planned?”

“Lots.” Margaret’s bell laugh echoed down the hall. “I have everything set for on the beach. Nothing over fancy.” She glanced at Charity. “I have a few questions for you if you have a moment – about the wedding, of course.”

“Sure.”

“I’ll take your suitcase and dress up to your room for you.” Elijah grabbed the bags as they entered the grand room. “You’re welcome to stay in my room, but I figure you probably want the other room to get dressed in, you know, on the day.”

“Sure.” Charity’s face grew hot at the mention of sharing his room in front of his mother.

The two women watched Elijah head up the stairs.

“I have a few things in the kitchen I want to show you.” Margaret began walking in the direction of the kitchen. “I wasn’t exactly sure what flowers you would like. The florist has a few options she can do for the day and said it would be no problem. Elijah mentioned Julie’s dress is a dark blue?”

“It is.” Charity followed her to the kitchen. The counter had fruit, meats, cheese and other snacks all spread out. On the table lay pictures and a folder.

Margaret showed her the photos. “The florist is fantastic. I used them for… for the funeral.” She pointed to a bouquet of freesias and creamy white roses. “That one is my favorite.”

Charity nodded. The woman had impeccable taste and they would match her dress perfectly. “They are gorgeous.”

“If you like them, they can do a bouquet for you, a smaller one for Julie and boutonnieres for the men. Would you like an archway on the beach? Something with cloth and flowers or something else?” She picked up her file and pulled a few photos out. “Here are a few options.”

All the designs were beautiful. “I love the idea. I don’t know which one to choose. Which one do you think?” It felt like they were bonding and Charity relaxed. It felt really good.

“What about this one? In case it’s windy, this one looks like it won’t blow apart or take off like a kite.”

Charity laughed. “Perfect.” Impulsively she reached for Margaret’s hand. “I’m really happy to be here. Thank you for doing all this.”

Margaret smiled. A real genuine smile that made Charity want to hug the woman. “I’m glad too. I was worried, because of last time, you might never want to come back to Rapt Bach again. I’m sorry about… about how I acted. It was wrong. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind and I should not have taken it out on you. Thank you for coming back.”

Charity hugged Elijah’s mother. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. That son of yours is pretty special.”

“I can’t argue with you there.”

Suddenly Charity didn’t feel tired and she couldn’t wait for her wedding day.

Chapter 11

Charity twirled in the bathroom as she swept the hair away from her neck. The past two days seemed to have flashed by in a whirlwind. Jetlag played a part, but so did the playful dress rehearsal yesterday. They hadn’t really needed to rehearse what was going to happen, but it had been fun nonetheless. Julie had made a pitcher of rum punch, which resulted in another pitcher, followed by another. A starry night around a campfire on the beach filled with stories and laughter had been the perfect ending to the day.

Today Charity was getting married.

If she ever got out of this bathroom.

The long zipper was impossible to zip all the way up on her own. She had done the crazy arm and shift dance as she tried to reach it from every angle. She would have come out sooner and asked Julie to help, but hesitated when an image of her mother helping her with the dress envisioned inside her head.

She needed to clutch the edge of the marble sink counter to hold herself when her breath caught. It took every ounce of energy to fight back the tears and the urge to curl into a ball right on the large bathroom floor. Staring at herself in the mirror she imagined her mother behind her and what she would say, “I’m so proud of you, Charity. The dress is beautiful on you. Elijah, my handsome future son-in-law is the luckiest man in the world. I love you. Your father is beyond pleased. You know him, he just doesn’t know how to show it.”

The mirror’s reflection showed only Charity by herself. She blinked, trying to see her mother behind her again, her beautiful hair grown back, weight back on her bones, not aged a day since Charity had last seen her. Charity could hear her mother’s words in her thoughts scolding her, “Get on with this, Charity. This is your day. Be happy. Don’t let my absence damper your moment. You’ve found love, absorb every moment of it. I’m proud of you.”

A thief of a tear escaped down her cheek. She wiped it away with an angry flick of her fingertip. Her finger looked naked without the diamond in her engagement. Her mother’s beautiful ring was now hers and Elijah was going to surprise her when he gave it back to her today. She stared at herself in the mirror and forced a smile. She would do her mother proud. That was a promise she intended to keep.

“Charity?” Julie called from the other side of the door. “Everything okay?”

She fixed her dress so it hid her bra and tried to put it back into place. “I’m having a bit of a problem with the zipper.” She opened the door. “Any chance my maid of honor could give me a hand?” She smiled at her friend.

“Wow.” Julie whistled and gave her the once over. “You look amazing. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Sexy. Elijah’s jaw is going to hit the floor when he sees you.”

Charity giggled. She didn’t mean to, but she suddenly felt giddy and excited. “You look pretty amazing yourself.”

Julie’s sapphire blue dress fit perfectly and her dark brown hair sat in a bun, with a few curled wisps escaping. “Turn around.”

Charity stepped out of the bathroom and obeyed. She swept her blond locks over one shoulder and her dress tightened to the proper snug fit. “Thanks.” She rotated and hugged her friend. “And thanks for coming all this way.”

Julie hugged her back. “I wouldn’t miss it.” She stepped back and played with Charity’s hair. “Plus my hubby’s the best man, and I’ll do anything to see that handsome dude in a tux.”

Charity laughed. “I hope Elijah and I will have the same kind of relationship you and Simon have.”

Julie smiled. “You already do, and it’ll only get better. You two are meant to be. Anyone who has seen you together would know it.”

“We’re in the right place. I’m so glad.”

“Me, too.” Julie walked over to the window and peered out. “Looks like they’re ready.” She picked up Charity’s bouquet and handed it to her. “Are you?”

She licked her lips and took one last glance in the bedroom mirror. Everything was in place. “It’s time.” She smiled wondering what Elijah was wearing. When Charity had teased him that he wasn’t allowed to see her dress, he came back saying she couldn’t see what he would be wearing. The two girls headed down the hall toward the stairs. “Did you see Elijah?”

Julie nodded.

Charity tried again. “How does he look?”

“Handsome.”

She snorted through her nose. “He warned you, didn’t he?”

Julie laughed. “He looks great. You’ll see in a minute.” She opened the door and pointed to Charity’s father who stood waiting on the interlock patio in an expensive black tuxedo and creamy white bow tie. He looked handsome, and nervous. More nervous than Charity felt.

She smiled and hoped he wouldn’t say something to ruin the moment. She wouldn’t let him. “Hi,” she said to him and let Julie play with the back of her dress so it wouldn’t fly up in the wind near the water.

He held his arm out so she could link hers into his. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks.” She tried to think of something witty to say. “You do too.”

They began the walk to the beach. It would take a few minutes before they reached where Elijah stood waiting with a few friends, family and the minister.

Dr. Thompson cleared his throat and rubbed the left side of his chest. “May I say something?”

Oh no, here it comes
. “Sure.” She tried to harden her heart so whatever he said wouldn’t hurt her feelings. He wouldn’t ruin today. She would not let him.

“You see… Well, your mother wrote the toast for me to give at your wedding.” He patted his chest. Charity didn’t miss the nervousness in his voice. “I have it here. But I have something else I’d like to say that your mom didn’t write.”

Mom wrote Dad’s toast? I’m impressed!
Her mother was the smartest woman in the world. Charity heard Julie sniffle in front of her.

Her father cleared his throat again and swallowed. “I just want to tell you this before I lose my courage. All through your life, you’ve brought joy to your mother, and to me, and while not every day’s been perfect, the love I feel for you has been. I’m sorry if I haven’t always shown it. I’m happy for you and for Elijah.”

She mis-stepped and stumbled.

Her father held tight to her arm, which helped her maintain her balance. “You okay?”

“Yu-Yup.” She fixed her dress and hoped she hadn’t put a grass stain on the hem.  She wasn’t sure if she had stepped on it. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

The automatic reply. “I mean, for catching me too, but for what you said… It means a lot.” They were getting near the beach. Just a small hill and she would see Elijah.  She watched Julie pause at the hill and turn around to wait for Charity to signal for the harpist to begin.

Her father straightened and put on his doctor’s face. Unreadable. “It needed to be said,” he spoke quietly, the wind catching the words in the air. “After the shooting… When I thought I might lose you… I realized… You couldn’t make me any prouder.”

“I’ll keep trying.” She smiled and leaned into her dad, elbowing him lightly in the ribs. The day was only going to get better. “Guess we should get this party started. Don’t want to keep Elijah waiting too long, he might think I’m going to pull a runner.” Charity signalled to Julie. A moment later Pachelbel’s Canon in D began to float around them.

“What do you mean a runner?” He tilted his head so he could look at her.

Charity giggled, thinking about her last trip to New Zealand. “Bit of a long story. I’ll tell you about it later.”

They came to the top crest of the hill. A few steps and they would be on the beach. Her father held his spot as he waited for the perfect music cue.

Charity lost all focus on her surroundings as she focussed on the man waiting at the end of the white matte carpet that matched the color of the sand. She was sure her soon-to-be mother-in-law had done a great job on the decorations and set up, but she barely noticed. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from Elijah.

An excited smile on his face, he stood grinning ear to ear.  The priest waited on his right and Simon just beside him on the left. Elijah wore a creamy-white tuxedo the same colour as her dress. His tanned skin seemed even darker against it. His blue eyes shone bright. Handsome, dashing and damn sexy with the waves in the background. The image burned into her memory forever.  It had the kind of book cover image that made you pick up a book and read it, just because of the guy gracing the cover.

Julie walked down the aisle and turned to watch Charity make her way down.

Her father brought her down the aisle and shook Elijah’s hand. “Take good care of her, she’s all I’ve got.”

Elijah nodded, his face serious. “I will.”

His hand replaced where her father’s had been and they turned to the priest. Charity’s father went and stood by Elijah’s mother.

The priest greeted them, prayed and read the passage in the Bible from Corinthians that ended with, “and the greatest of these is love.”

“It is now time to exchange the vows and rings.” The priest leaned over to Simon and collected the rings. He held them out. “I know you two have written your own vows. Elijah mentioned the two of you decided to gamble with luck to decide who would go first.” He smiled and turned to Charity. “Apparently you lost the coin toss.”

A rumble of laughter rippled through the small group. Elijah winked at her before he straightened and his face turned sombre.

Part of her wished she had gone with something witty and funny. Instead she’d written them based on how Elijah made her feel. Looking into his beautiful blue eyes now she knew she was looking into a mirror image of her own soul and the words came from her heart. She held her flowers toward Julie, her gaze never leaving Elijah’s. She gave Elijah both her hands, entwining her fingers perfectly in to his. She spoke loud and clear, determined not to let the waves and wind take the words away, “On this day I give you my heart. My promise is that I will walk with you, hand in hand, wherever our journey leads; loving, living, learning. Together. Forever.” She slid the gold band over his left ring finger. It fit perfectly.

The priest smiled. “Well said.” He nodded at Elijah.

Elijah’s perfect smile faltered a moment. He cleared his throat, his eyes never leaving hers. “I love you. All I ever want is to be somebody to you. I love you. Always. Forever.”

Somebody sighed loudly.

He took the ring from the priest. “I had a few additions put on your mother’s ring. The base is still hers, but it’s yours now too.” He slipped the beautiful, sparkly diamond ring onto her finger. “I love you,” he whispered and kissed her hand.

Charity felt her heart swell. She’d heard the expression before but never fully understood it until that moment. She knew she was smiling like a crazy person, but didn’t care. She couldn’t help it. Elijah grinned at her. He had the same giddy puppy-love feeling as well.

The priest held his hands over theirs. “Let these bands represent more than just a ring as we bless them. They are symbols of your love and fidelity. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” He took a small step back. “You may kiss the bride.”

Elijah pulled her to him, still holding her hands in his he leaned toward her and pressed his lips to hers. It was quick and sweet.

Charity smiled and pulled back, but Elijah did not let her go.

“Where’re you going?” He chuckled. “I’m not finished.” He kissed her again, longer and with more passion, thankfully still keeping it clean. He grinned when she stepped away slightly dazed.

She heard Julie giggling behind her.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

The clapping set a small group of birds scattering further up the beach. Charity reached for Elijah’s hand the same time he reached for hers. He pointed to the birds. “Those are your little buddies.” A harp began plinking a beautiful melody, almost in beat with the little running birds.

She shielded her eyes against the sun with her free hand. There were man-made markers, birdhouses and feeding areas set up. Elijah’s mother had gone the extra mile in an effort to protect the endangered kiwis. There were even little baby ones running and chasing after their mothers. It was perfect.

Elijah pulled her hand bringing her back to the moment. They were married! She leaned her head back and smiled, soaking up the sun a moment before grabbing Elijah and wrapping her arms around him. He lifted her up and swung her around.

Julie squeezed in and hugged her when Elijah set her down. Simon slapped Elijah on the back and then bear-hugged Charity. Her father shook Elijah’s hand and stood obstinate before Charity laughed and hugged him. He stiffened a moment before putting his arms awkwardly around her. “Congratulations,” he murmured.

Elijah put his arm around his mother and kissed her on the forehead. “Mom, here’s your awesome daughter-in-law. She’s a bit stubborn, but totally loveable. Give her a chance and you won’t regret it.”

“Let’s hope she can put up with you long enough to give me a few grandchildren. This house needs some little ones running around.”

Charity blinked. Kids? Here? That was a conversation for a completely different day. Not today. No arguments or disagreements of any kind were allowed today.

Simon, with Julie at his side, spoke, “I took the liberty of scoring a few champagne bottles from the bar in the grand room.” He pulled two bottles from behind his back and held them up. “I believe this moment calls for a drink!”